Bat-retrieving dog for Yankee affiliate fetches final bat

Chase, seen last year, walks with a bat during a Trenton Thunder baseball game.
(David M. Schofield)

A baseball bat-retrieving dog who entertained fans of a club in the New York Yankees farm system has died.

Chase, an ailing 13-year-old golden retriever, lived just long enough to be thrown a retirement party by the Trenton Thunder. The party was held at Friday's game in Trenton, N.J. The team says Chase died Monday.

The dog had retrieved bats left behind from notable Yankees like Derek Jeter, Robinson Cano and Bernie Williams and had been diagnosed in February with a form of lymphoma, suffered from arthritis and struggled during his last appearance.

At Friday's celebration, fans were encouraged to bring their dogs to the game and Chase bobblehead dolls were given out.

His bat-retrieving legacy will live on with his son Derby, who continues to be part of the Thunder's home game entertainment. Another son, Ollie, performs with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.